Numbers 23:25
And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.
Original Language Analysis
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
קֹ֖ב
them at all
H6895
קֹ֖ב
them at all
Strong's:
H6895
Word #:
6 of 12
to scoop out, i.e., (figuratively) to malign or execrate (i.e., stab with words)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִקֳּבֶ֑נּוּ
Neither curse
H5344
תִקֳּבֶ֑נּוּ
Neither curse
Strong's:
H5344
Word #:
8 of 12
to puncture, literally (to perforate, with more or less violence) or figuratively (to specify, designate, libel)
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
תְבָֽרְכֶֽנּוּ׃
nor bless
H1288
תְבָֽרְכֶֽנּוּ׃
nor bless
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
10 of 12
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
Historical Context
The lion became symbol of the tribe of Judah from whom the Messiah would come. This prophecy looked beyond immediate conquest to the ultimate Lion of Judah who conquers sin, death, and Satan through His death and resurrection.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ as the Lion of Judah fulfill this prophecy of Israel's conquering power?
- What does Christ's lion-like conquest of spiritual enemies mean for your daily battles?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Balaam describes Israel's future: 'Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain.' This warrior imagery prophesies Israel's conquest of Canaan with fierce, unstoppable power. The lion, king of beasts, symbolizes royal dominion and irresistible strength—characteristics fulfilled in Judah's lion, Jesus Christ (Genesis 49:9, Revelation 5:5).